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Reid: Senate to Consider Energy Legislation in Two Weeks ERG's Washington sources tell us that the President and Senate Democrats are looking at ways to scale back an energy bill that will put limits on carbon pollution by power plants but not by other industries, and to expand provisions for use of natural gas as a transportation fuel. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he expects to bring energy legislation to the Senate in two weeks, with a modification of the "cap and trade" program that passed the US House. But he said the Senate bill is "not all green stuff, you know, Sierra Club stuff." The Senator outlined four main elements to a bill, including a response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, promoting energy efficiency, developing more clean/renewable energy and curbing power plant emissions. The natural gas plan, being pushed by T. Boone Pickins, would provide tax breaks for natural-gas-powered vehicles and fueling stations. Reality suggests that even a limited version of an energy bill would face difficulties, as many Republicans, and Democrats representing coal states will oppose the cap and trade provisions. GOP leaders have said any effort to put a price on carbon would be considered a national energy tax. Biofuels producers are working with Senators and staff to include extension of blenders and producers credits in the eventual energy package.
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